Just like the rides at Universal Studios, there are all kinds of Islands of Adventure attractions to choose from when visiting the Universal Orlando theme park.
Yes, there’s another section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here — Hogsmeade. And with Hogsmeade, this means you can drink all of the Butterbeer you want. Plus, this is the perfect place for Jurassic Park fans, after all this is where you can hop on the brand-spanking new VelociCoaster!
There’s plenty to experience at Islands of Adventure and not just with rides, but with shows and entertainment. One might even say it’s full of adventure!
Below is a list of Islands of Adventure attractions that you’ll find during your visit, along with important details like height requirements, single rider options, and more.
Important: Not every attraction listed below may be available due to health and safety restrictions.
In this article
Locker Rentals
Before we dive into each attraction, you need to know about locker rentals.
Unlike Disney World, where you can take your belongings (like a backpack, purse, fanny pack, etc.) on every ride with you, Universal has certain restrictions when it comes to personal items on specific attractions.
Universal has all-day locker rentals and single-time use lockers at select attractions. Some are free, whereas others cost a fee.
Depending on the attraction, you may need to put your belongings inside a locker before riding.
There are even some rides where you can’t take anything on with you, including your phone, and you’ll have to walk through a metal detector so Team Members can make sure.
Here’s what else you need to know…
All-Day Locker Rentals
These lockers provide unlimited access throughout the day. They are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can find large-sized lockers to rent near the Islands of Adventure Studios park entrance. Large lockers start at $10 per day and are sized at: 12″ x 13″ x 16.9″.
FYI: Universal Studios has both large and family-size lockers. Islands of Adventure does not have family-size lockers.
Single-Time Use Lockers
You will find single-time use lockers at the entrances of these Islands of Adventure rides:
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
And also these water-based attractions:
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Dudle Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls
Standard-sized lockers are 14″ x 5.5″ x 16.9″ and are “free” — up to a certain point.
Before we get to that tidbit, let’s talk the larger lockers. These are for oversized items, are 12″ x 13″ x 16.9″, and cost $2 during the posted wait time.
For water-based attractions, there are also single-time use lockers that start at $4 during the posted wait time.
However, any ride locker will begin charging you $3 per additional 30 minutes, with a $20 per day maximum.
The smaller lockers don’t require a deposit, but if you go over the time, you’ll have to use either cash or a credit card to remove your items from the locker.
If for some reason a ride breaks down (or something else happens totally out of your control) and you end up waiting longer than the posted wait time when you first entered the queue, you can ask a locker attendant to override the locker charges that may have accrued.
To access a locker, all you have to do is simply follow the on-screen instructions.
Make sure you have your ticket ready, because you’ll scan it before and after. If you have to pay, both cash and credit cards are accepted.
Islands of Adventure Transportation
Islands of Adventure has one form of in-park transportation. Yes, it’s the same as Universal Studios — the Hogwarts Express.
Below is what you need to know about the Harry Potter-inspired train that is a super fun and magical experience, especially for fans of the book series and movie franchise.
Hogwarts Express
It’s pretty cool that you can ride the Hogwarts Express just like Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
When you’re onboard, you’ll get to experience characters, creatures, and scenery straight out of the movie.
Anyone under 48 inches must have a supervising companion with them in order to ride. Hogwarts Express is also accessible by wheelchair and EVC.
Important: The only way you can ride is if you have a Park-to-Park admission ticket, which gives you access to both theme parks on the same day.
At Islands of Adventure, you’ll board the train at Hogsmeade Station, which then travels to King’s Cross Station in the London area near Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.
The train ride from Hogsmeade Station to King’s Cross Station is about 4 minutes. Overall, it’s a quick ride.
That said, Hogwarts Express is popular, meaning wait times build. You can easily walk over to Universal Studios in about 10 minutes or so.
For an additional cost, you can also use the Universal Express Pass for Hogwarts Express, which allows you to skip the regular line.
If you’ve never been on Hogwarts Express before and are a Harry Potter fan, we definitely recommend it.
Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
Hogsmeade Station can be found in the Hogsmead area of Islands of Adventure.
This is where you wait in line to board the Hogwarts Express, just like in the Harry Potter books and movies.
Keep in mind that if you want to experience the 9 3/4 platform (and the special effect that comes with it), you can only do that at the King’s Cross Station at Universal Studios.
Tip: Usually, both Hogwarts Express and Hogsmeade Station are open for Early Park Admission.
Before diving into the attractions available at Islands of Adventure, here’s a helpful tip: you can set a wait time alert in the Universal app to notify you when an attraction goes under a specific wait time. Make sure you have notifications turned on.
Also, unless otherwise noted, guests using a standard wheelchair, an EVC, or a motorized wheelchair must transfer to the attraction’s seat. For further assistance regarding closed captioning on attractions or other accessibility information, be sure to ask an attractions attendant.
Now, here’s everything you need to know about Islands of Adventure rides, including if Universal Express is available, if child swap is a feature, when to visit, tips, how each attraction compares to a ride or show at Walt Disney World, and much more.
Islands of Adventure Attractions
Hogsmeade
Flight of the Hippogriff
Height requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion required for children 36″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Within first 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Families and Harry Potter fans
Disney World comparison: Like Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom (it’s a short roller coaster)
Tips: This isn’t intense, but there are some sharp twists and turns
▶ Watch video
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement)
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: At opening, within first hour
Recommended for: Anyone tall enough to ride
Disney World comparison: Most similar to Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, so definitely a little bit more intense than you might think
Tips: This sometimes utilizes a virtual line via the Universal app; there’s a test seat outside the entrance for guests to try before boarding; we recommend avoiding spoilers before riding for the first time
▶ Watch video
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Within first 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Harry Potter fans and if you like 3D attractions
Disney World comparison: Along the lines of Star Tours due to the simulator and 3D experience
Tips: This ride sometimes has a virtual queue you can access via the Universal app; you can try out the test seat before riding; may cause motion sickness
▶ Watch video
Jurassic Park
Camp Jurassic
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Little ones; time filler
Disney World comparison: Similar to The Boneyard in DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Tips: A great outdoor play area for kids who need to burn off energy of if families need a brea
▶ Watch video
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Families, Jurassic Park fans, if you need a time filler
Disney World comparison: Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom
Tips: This is a learning center with a lot of cool features, including the hatching of a baby raptor, so definitely take it all in
▶ Watch video
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Sometimes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone, especially Jurassic Park fans (may frighten little ones)
Disney World comparison: Like Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom
Tips: This is, obviously, a water ride, so the chances of getting wet, and even soaked, are high
▶ Watch video
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Height requirement: 51 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: At opening, first hour
Recommended for: Anyone tall enough
Disney World comparison: Intense like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom
Tips: There’s a test seat outside the entrance; this is as intense as it looks and there is only safety bar that goes over your lap; avoid spoilers (including for the queue) prior to riding
▶ Watch video
The Lost Continent
Pteranodon Flyers
Height requirement: 36 inches (guests over 56″ must be accompanied by a rider meeting the 36″ height requirement; supervising companion required for children 36″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Families and little ones
Disney World comparison: Along the same lines as Dumbo and Aladdin at Magic Kingdom, but you swing
Tips: This sometimes utilizes a virtual queue, so keep your eye on the Universal app
▶ Watch video
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Height requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion required for children 36″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: Those tall enough to ride
Disney World comparison: Like Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom, but a bit scarier
Tips: There is sometimes a virtual queue available in the Universal app; guests may remain in their standard wheelchair (does not apply to ECV or motorized wheelchairs)
▶ Watch video
Marvel Super Hero Island
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Height requirement: 40 inches (supervising companion required for children 40″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: Everyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to 3D and simulator attractions, like Star Tours at Hollywood Studios
Tips: May cause motion sickness, due to the simulation and sudden stops, drops, and turns
▶ Watch video
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Height requirement: 52 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios (the sensation of falling)
Tips: You can try the test seat outside the attraction entrance; Avoid if you don’t like heights
▶ Watch video
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Height requirement: 54 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Yes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: Anyoen tall enough to ride
Disney World comparison: Along the same intensity level as Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom and Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster at Hollywood Studios
Tips: There’s a test seat you can try before getting on the ride; you go completely upside down; You must pass through a metal detector to ride (loose articles are prohibited, meaning you can’t carry your phone on the ride)
▶ Watch video
Storm Force Accelatron
Height requirement: None (supervising companion required for children under 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Just like the Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom
Tips: To avoid going too fast, don’t spin the wheel (try to even hold it still if you want)
▶ Watch video
Seuss Landing
Caro-Seuss-el
Height requirement: None (supervising companion required for children under 48 inches)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Little ones; time filler
Disney World comparison: Like Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Tips: Guests may remain in standard wheelchair (does not apply to ECV or motorized wheelchairs)
▶ Watch video
If I Ran the Zoo
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Little ones; time filler
Disney World comparison: Like The Boneyard in DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Tips: A great spot for kids to play and burn off energy; there are 9 Braille stations available describing each station as it relates to the attraction experience
▶ Watch video
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Height requirement: None (supervising companion required for children under 48 inches)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone, especially families and little ones
Disney World comparison: Like Dumbo at Magic Kingdom
Tips: Guests may remain in their standard wheelchair (does not apply to ECV or motorized wheelchairs); make sure you listen to the narrator or you might get wet
▶ Watch video
Toon Lagoon
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Height requirement: 44 inches (supervising companion required for children 44″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: Sometimes
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone, especially if you like water rides
Disney World comparison: Like Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom
Tips: There’s at test seat at the entrance; you may get wet and even possibly soaked
▶ Watch video
Me Ship, The Olive
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: If you need a time filler
Disney World comparison: Similar to play areas like The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom, but on a much smaller scale
Tips: This usually opens an hour after park opening
▶ Watch video
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: If you need to cool down on a hot day or love water rides
Disney World comparison: Like Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom
Tips: You will most likely get wet and even soaked
▶ Watch video
The Cat in the Hat
Height requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion required for children 36″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone, including little ones and families
Disney World comparison: Similar to dark rides at Magic Kingdom, like Winnie the Pooh
Tips: Guests may remain in their standard wheelchair (does not apply to ECV or motorized wheelchairs)
▶ Watch video
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
Height requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion required for children 36″ to 48″)
Universal Express available: yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Like the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom
Tips: This is a good ride if you’re looking to relax
▶ Watch video
Entertainment & Parades
Hogsmeade
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: At nighttime (check schedule for showtime)
Recommended for: Everyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom
Tips: You have a good view from pretty much anywhere like with Cinderella Castle; doesn’t normally run annually and interchanges with Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
▶ Watch video
Frog Choir
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Multiple shows throughout the day
Recommended for: A time filler or if you need a short break
Disney World comparison: Similar to several stage shows at the parks and uniquely themed like many of the musical performances at Epcot during the festivals
Tips: There is standing-room only, but the show is only about 10 minutes, if not a little shorter
▶ Watch video
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: At nighttime (check schedule for showtime)
Recommended for: Everyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom
Tips: You have a good view from pretty much anywhere like with Cinderella Castle; doesn’t normally run annually and interchanges with Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
▶ Watch video
Ollivanders Experience in Hogsmeade
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Harry Potter fans and anyone who wants a wand souvenir
Disney World comparison: Like custom gifts you can get across the parks, including handbuilt lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop or building droids at the Droid Depot
Tips: There’s another Ollivanders in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios; depending, not everyone will be able to participate in the show, aka have your wand “choose” you
▶ Watch video
Star Souls
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: A time filler or if you need a break
Disney World comparison: Similar to shops in Epcot’s Morocco, specifically the henna tattoos, jewelry, and other items available for purchase
Tips: You can buy a range of items here, including henna tattoos, along with getting a personal psychic reading
Triwizard Spirit Rally
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Several shows throughout the day
Recommended for: A time filler or if you need a short break
Disney World comparison: Similar to several stage shows at the parks and uniquely themed like many of the musical performances at Epcot during the festivals
Tips: There is standing-room only, but the show is only about 10 minutes, if not a little shorter
▶ Watch video
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park Games
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: A time filler
Disney World comparison: Like Fossil Fun Games in DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Tips: You have to pay a fee to play the carnival-style games
▶ Watch video
The Lost Continent
The Mystic Fountain
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: A time filler
Disney World comparison: Like Mr. Potato Head telling jokes in the Toy Story Mania queue
Tips: The fountain sprays water, so watch out!
▶ Watch video
Poseidon’s Fury
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: Yes
Single rider option: No
Child swap: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Shows throughout the day
Recommended for: Anyone or if you need a good time filler
Disney World comparison: Has similar vibes to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, but is instead a walk-through attraction (no stadium seating)
Tips: The show with some loud explosion noises and other special effects; this is about 20 minutes, so make sure you budget enough time
▶ Watch video
Marvel Super Hero Island
Kingpin’s Arcade
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: A time filler
Disney World comparison: Like many of the arcades located at Disney Resort hotels
Tips: For a price (you buy tokens), you can play a variety of arcade games
▶ Watch video
Seuss Landing
Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Shows throughout the day
Recommended for: A time filler or if you need a short break
Disney World comparison: Similar to watching the characters perform during the daytime on Cinderella Castle’s stage at Magic Kingdom, but not as grand
Tips: This is standing-room only, but the show is short and sweet
▶ Watch video
Toon Lagoon
Toon Lagoon Games
Height requirement: None
Universal Express available: No
Single rider option: No
Child swap: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: A time filler
Disney World comparison: Like Fossil Fun Games in DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Tips: You have to pay a fee to play the carnival-style games
There are quite a few Islands of Adventure attractions to try when visiting the Orlando-based theme park. We’ll be sure to keep this guide updated with the latest information.